The average garage door sensor replacement cost ranges from $70 to $190, depending on the sensor type and labor fees. But unlike other garage door components, sensors are typically inexpensive and easy to replace.
In this blog, we discussed a detailed garage door sensor cost breakdown together with the factors that may affect its overall price. We also shared some tips on how to save on your sensor replacements plus some answers to common questions our clients often ask.
Keep reading to see how much you need to budget for this garage door service!
Key Factors Affecting Sensor Replacement Cost
To determine your garage door safety sensor price, we have to assess certain factors, including the following:
Type of Sensor
There are multiple sensor types in the market, but most homeowners opt for photoelectric or infrared sensors. These are available in either wired or wireless configurations, both of which have their pros and cons.
Here’s a quick comparison of these garage door sensor types and how they affect pricing:
Photoelectric vs. Infrared Sensors
Both photoelectric and infrared sensors detect obstructions and objects in the garage door’s path. However, they have different technologies and equally varying replacement costs. Here’s a quick look:
- Photoelectric garage door sensors. Photoelectric sensors use a modulated LED light beam received by a nearby phototransistor. It’s important for the receiver to have a line of sight with the source to detect obstructions correctly. Photoelectric sensors are only suitable for short ranges, which is why it’s also the more affordable option.
- Infrared garage door sensors. Infrared sensors use light waves to detect obstructions on the garage door’s path. It’s ideal for longer ranges, though it costs more than photoelectric types. Aside from that, infrared sensors require a more specialized setup.
Wired vs. Wireless Sensors
Garage door sensors can either be wired or wireless, both of which are functional, but with varying price ranges. Here’s a brief wired vs. wireless sensor cost comparison:
- Wired garage door sensors. Wired sensors have electrical wiring running from the sensors to the opener. It’s more labor-intensive to install, but it also eliminates the need for batteries since it draws power from your main supply. Aside from that, wired sensors are less prone to signal interference. But since it has a complex installation, it’s also more expensive to replace.
- Wireless garage door sensors. Wireless sensors use radio signals to transmit signals without the need for physical wiring. This is installed by mounting the battery-operated sensors on either side of the door. Since it’s easy to install, it’s more affordable to replace wireless door sensors, depending on the specific model you’re going to get.
Brand & Model
Garage door sensors are available in various brands, ranging from budget to premium. Major brands, such as LiftMaster and Vivint tend to cost more than budget options from Chamberlain and Genie.
But if you’re looking for a cheap garage door sensor replacement, you can always go for an off-brand sensor model for a fraction of the cost. However, these off-brand sensors often have limited warranty coverage and quality can be hit and miss.
Labor Costs
Professional garage door sensor installation costs include either an hourly or flat-rate labor fee. Usually, replacing wired garage door sensors has higher labor costs due to complex wiring.
Depending on the contractor you hire, they may have a garage door technician hourly rate for sensor repair. Others would offer a flat rate and impose weekend/after-hours sensor repair surcharges.
If you want to get a complete breakdown of the labor cost to replace a garage door sensor, you can reach out to a professional garage door repair provider like CaliforniaGarageDoorRepair for a free estimate.
Additional Repairs
Aside from the garage door sensor installation cost, you also have to consider additional repairs. This includes replacing damaged wiring, fixing brackets, and checking the sensor’s opener compatibility.
All these will add up to the garage door safety sensor replacement cost.
Average Garage Door Sensor Replacement Cost Breakdown
How much does a garage door sensor cost, you ask? The average garage door sensor replacement cost in California is around $160. Still, there are a few aspects that go into this pricing, which we discussed below.
Average Cost Breakdown
The garage door safety sensor price depends on the type and configuration you choose. To help you budget, we listed here the average cost to replace garage door sensors:
- Infrared garage door sensor cost – $30 to $100
- Photoelectric garage door sensor cost – $20 to $60
- Wireless garage door sensor repair cost – $30 to $100
- Wired garage door sensor cost – $20 to $60
Regional Cost Variations
The cost to replace garage door sensors varies, depending on your location. Generally, urban areas offer more affordable garage door sensor replacement than major cities.
For example, Los Angeles garage door repair for safety sensors is more expensive by 12% than average. Meanwhile, Lancaster, Norwalk, and Palmdale offer low-cost garage door sensor repair due to its equally lower cost of living.
Brand-Specific Sensor Replacement Costs
How much does it cost to replace a garage door sensor? Here’s a short rundown of sensor replacement costs by brand based on local retailer pricing (including labor costs):
- LiftMaster garage door sensor cost. The average LiftMaster garage door sensor replacement cost is around $80 to $70 per pair.
- Chamberlain garage door sensor price. The average Chamberlain garage door sensor price is $380 to $180 per pair.
- Genie garage door sensor replacement cost. Replacing Genie safety sensors ranges from $75 to $160 per pair.
- MyQ garage door sensor cost. A pair of MyQ garage door sensor replacements cost around $90 to $200 per pair.
- Craftsman garage door sensor repair cost. The average Craftsman garage door sensor cost ranges from $80 to $170 per pair.
- Vivint garage door sensor cost. The average Vivint garage door sensor replacement fee is around $110 to $200 per pair.
- Off-brand/universal sensors. Replacing universal sensors costs around $65 to $150 or less.
8 signs it’s time to replace your garage door sensor
Garage door sensors prevent accidents – but only if they work. If you’re unsure if your safety sensors are due for replacements, the following signs might point to ‘yes’:
1. Physical damage
Cracks, dents, frayed wires, or water damage to the sensors will degrade their ability to detect obstructions. If your sensors are already heavily weathered and damaged, consider getting a new pair for accurate detection.
2. Frequent false alarms
If your garage door frequently reverses or stops closing unexpectedly without any visible obstruction, it could indicate a malfunctioning sensor. Make sure you replace it immediately to avoid potential accidents.
3. Failure to reverse on obstructions
A properly functioning sensor should reverse the door when an obstruction is detected. If this safety feature is not working, it poses a safety risk and should be replaced right away.
4. Frequent misalignment
Sensor misalignment is a very common garage door problem, which can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting. However, if you need to realign the sensors multiple times a week, your unit might be worn out and due for replacements.
5. Old or outdated sensors
Most garage door sensors last for about 5 to 10 years. If your sensors are already past this age, consider replacing them as a proactive measure. This way, you won’t have to deal with erratic operations or false alarms.
6. New technology incompatibility
If you’re upgrading to a smart opener, you should also consider replacing your sensors with a modern pair. This way, you can make the most out of your new opener and take advantage of the latest innovations in sensor technology.
7. Inconsistent sensor lights
Most garage door sensors have indicator lights that show functionality. If these lights are blinking erratically or not lighting up at all, it could indicate that your unit is already damaged. Consider replacing them as soon as possible.
8. Weather sensitivity
If you notice that your sensors work only in certain temperatures, this could indicate a problem. For example, your sensors fail in cold weather but function normally in warmer conditions. In this case, you should invest in a more durable pair that can withstand harsh elements.
How to Save on Garage Door Sensor Replacement
The professional garage door sensor repair cost doesn’t have to dig into your savings. If you’re due for a sensor replacement, here are some smart ways to save some money:
1. Negotiating labor rates
You can try negotiating your installation fees with a local garage door contractor to save some bucks. However, you should note that same-day garage door sensor replacement costs are often higher due to the urgency of the service.
You can also inquire if they have bundled repairs, where you can get sensor replacements as add-ons for a lower price.
2. Buying sensors online
You can also purchase your own sensor units online to take advantage of sales and big discounts. For example, you can buy a low-cost garage door sensor replacement on Amazon or Home Depot and then install it on your own. You can also hire a technician to install them, so you only pay for labor.
3. Seasonal promotions
You can also check out seasonal promotions and special offers from local contractors like California Garage Door Repair. Always check our website for the latest deals or contact us directly to learn more about our special discounts!
Why choose CaliforniaGarageDoorRepair for Garage Door Sensor Replacement?
If you’re looking for affordable and reliable sensor replacements, all you have to do is call us at CaliforniaGarageDoorRepair. We’ve helped thousands of residents with almost every garage door problem, including various sensor issues.
Here’s why locals like you trust us:
- 18+ years of expertise. Since 2006, we have been providing the best garage door repair Los Angeles has to offer. Only licensed and insured technicians will handle your garage door problems for high-quality results.
- 4.8-star Google rating. Our happy clients have spoken! With over 435 Google reviews and a stunning 4.8-star rating, rest assured that we deliver the same service that we would like to have in our own homes.
- 24/7 emergency service. We provide 24/7 emergency garage door repair in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Call us and we will dispatch our licensed technicians right away.
- 100% transparent pricing. Whether you’re looking for an affordable garage door sensor installation or more complex door solutions, you can count on our honest pricing every single time. We don’t charge hidden fees!
Conclusion
The overall garage door safety eye sensor price depends on the type, model, and installation requirements your unit needs. Always remember that sensor replacement costs are on a sliding scale, and if you want a more accurate estimate, contact us at California Garage Door Repair!
DIY sensor replacements can be a cost-saving method, but if you want reliable and long-lasting solutions, consider hiring a professional technician. This way, you can ensure your sensor’s compatibility with your garage door opener.
Above all, professional sensor replacements will help maintain your garage door’s warranty coverage. In the long run, that spells more savings for you!
Garage door sensor replacement cost FAQs
How much does it cost to repair a garage door sensor?
When it comes to garage door sensor repair vs replacement, repairs can be more affordable as long as your unit isn’t heavily damaged. On average, the garage door opener sensor repair cost ranges from $30 to $100, depending on the exact problem. Reach out to us and we’ll give you a free repair quote within minutes!
How long does it take to replace a garage door sensor?
Replacing a garage door sensor takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour on average. However, units that require complex wiring and troubleshooting may take up to 2 hours to install. It’s also important to consider that removal of your old sensors will also take some time.
Does homeowners insurance cover garage door sensor repair?
Insurance policies don’t usually cover the cost of garage door sensor repairs, unless the damage is due to a covered event, such as theft, vandalism, or storms. We recommend checking your insurance policy terms to see if this repair is covered or not.
Can I use universal sensors to save money?
Yes, you can use universal sensors if you want to save money from branded garage door safety eye sensor prices. However, compatibility can be an issue for some units, not to mention that it reliability and quality might be questionable.
Why is my garage door sensor replacement so expensive?
Your garage door sensor replacement might be more expensive than usual due to certain conditions.
For example, the emergency garage door sensor replacement price would be higher than the standard service due to the added convenience. Also, some sensors may have longer warranty coverage, which will add up to the replacement cost.
Should I replace both garage door sensors at the same time?
Yes, it’s recommended to replace both safety sensors at the same time even if only one appears to be damaged. This is to ensure compatibility and balanced functionality, not to mention that warranty terms often require sensors to be replaced in pairs.
How long do garage door sensors last before replacement?
Most safety sensors last for about 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality and upkeep. High-quality sensors from reputable brands tend to last longer, although they also cost more to replace. In the long run, investing in quality sensors can be more cost-saving than repeatedly buying low-cost replacements.
Why is my garage door sensor not working?
There are many potential reasons why your garage door safety sensors will stop working. The following are the most common culprits:
- Misalignment. The infrared light or light beams are not within each other’s line of sight, causing the sensors to malfunction or stop working.
- Physical damage. Dirt and impact can damage your sensors and prevent them from detecting obstructions properly.
- Wiring issues. It’s possible that your sensor’s wiring is frayed or damaged, disrupting its power supply.
- Device interference. Wireless sensors may experience interference from nearby devices, such as Wi-Fi routers and cordless phones.
- Faulty installation. Poorly installed sensors may disrupt its functionality despite being in good condition.
